Punt like a Pro, without the know!
New Zealand · Sunday 2 August 2026
Our top pick won 2 of 6 races at Wanganui. Every pick, our analysis and the full results are below.
top pick wonanother tip wonno tip won
Blondmoon presents the most reliable heavy-track profile in this maiden, with two placings from three heavy-ground starts and a string of competitive finishes including a photo-finish 3rd. Her form is trending well and she looks the most likely types to finally break through, particularly given the volatile nature of maiden heavy-track racing at Wanganui.
Carlow has the deepest wet-track CV of the leading contenders, with a placing from three heavy-ground starts including a solid 2nd at Otaki. The inside barrier is a mild concern per Wanganui heavy bias notes, but overall the profile suggests she remains competitive in this open maiden.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2 | Carlow | 1 | Leah Hemi | Ms L Latta | 58.5kg | $4.50 |
| 2nd | 5 | Blondmoon | 4 | Lisa Allpress | C A Bambry | 56.5kg | $2.00 |
| 3rd | 6 | Coco Royale | 2 | Lily Sutherland | J Lavelle & S Rennie | 56.5kg | $16.80 |
| 4th | 3 | Crixus | 6 | Floor Moerman | K T Myers | 56.5kg | $4.00 |
| 5th | 4 | Elegant Elle | 5 | Jim Chung | A C Baker | 55.5kg | $12.70 |
| 6th | 1 | Chill Factor | 3 | Rohan Mudhoo | Ms I Kelly | 58.5kg | $11.50 |
Midnight Flair presents the strongest form case in a genuinely open maiden.
The extended freshen-up is the main query, but the wet-ground profile and consistent placing pattern justify strong favouritism, albeit not quite overtaking Midnight Flair's improving trajectory.
Rosa is the most tested runner in the field with 17 starts and a strong record of minor placings, several by narrow margins on Heavy and Soft ground.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 9 | Game Face | 6 | Lily Sutherland | K T Myers | 56.5kg | $7.40 |
| 2nd | 4 | Justashotaway | 1 | Toni Davies | Ms L Latta | 57.5kg | $8.50 |
| 3rd | 1 | Hard Rock Cafe | 4 | Liam Kauri | G D Innes | 56.5kg | $7.30 |
| 4th | 7 | Rosa | 5 | Mereana Hudson | Ms I Kelly | 56.5kg | $5.10 |
| 5th | 3 | Midnight Flair | 2 | Amber Riddell | Ms J K Mahoney | 57.5kg | $9.80 |
| 6th | 2 | Fantabulous | 8 | Lisa Allpress | K T Myers | 58.5kg | $2.40 |
| 7th | 6 | Therealramsay | 3 | Leah Hemi | J Lavelle & S Rennie | 58.5kg | $13.20 |
| 8th | 5 | Sicarius | 7 | Sarah Macnab | A B Bidlake | 58.5kg | $49.20 |
| Scr | 8 | Kit Zakat | 9 | T R Hina | 56.5kg |
Go Trigger presents the most reliable form profile in this race, with six top-three finishes from his last ten starts and proven, repeated performances on Heavy ground over close to today's trip. The rapid back-up (2 days) suggests the stable sees him ready to fire, and his barrier (7) sits in the historically favoured middle zone at Wanganui. While he hasn't broken through for a win recently, the consistency and battle-hardened profile make him the standout form-based selection.
Second-up and drawn workably at barrier 2, his sustained placing record and in-form rider make him a genuine each-way thread capable of running on into the finish on this testing surface.
Whiskey N' Rye has legitimate Heavy-track credentials and drops in grade today, but carries topweight at 59.5kg which is a real query on testing ground, and recent form has been underwhelming. Still, the class relief and wet-ground record keep him in the finish, rounding out a competitive top three without being the most convincing selection.
Barrier 5 is workable and the improving trend plus rapid backup suggest he's building toward a peak effort. The jockey's recent cold run is a mild concern, but the horse's own credentials at this specific track/surface combination make him an attractive value play against the more fancied runners.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | Go Trigger | 7 | Sarah Macnab | R M Connors | 58.5kg | $3.00 |
| 2nd | 2 | Whiskey N'' Rye | 6 | Lily Sutherland | K T Myers | 59.5kg | $6.80 |
| 3rd | 6 | Trainwreck | 5 | Mereana Hudson | Ms R Lockett | 57kg | $4.40 |
| 4th | 5 | Elite Choice | 1 | Amber Riddell | Ms J K Mahoney | 56kg | $8.10 |
| 5th | 8 | Our Sassie Anne | 3 | Lisa Allpress | E R Hocquard | 54kg | $5.50 |
| 6th | 1 | Dupug | 4 | Floor Moerman | K T Myers | 57.5kg | $12.30 |
| 7th | 7 | Return Message | 8 | Liam Kauri | S Ralph | 53kg | $21.90 |
| 8th | 4 | Ride The Tide | 2 | Kavish Chowdhoory | Marieke Simons | 58kg | $16.90 |
Winter Rose is the most credible form-based pick in a moderate maiden field. Two runs, two competitive placings on heavy-affected ground, with a clear improving trend and a barrier draw that suits the Wanganui Heavy bias toward middle gates.
Royal Teaser offers understated credentials — two runs on heavy ground with a competitive minor placing effort last start. The step to 1600m is unproven but the model rewards horses that have shown they can go forward without being buried in wet conditions. A capable rider at the course adds weight to this each-way threat behind the top selection.
Galeforce brings the deepest and most consistent formline in the race, with minor placings at the track and a jockey in career-best touch. While she remains winless from 12 starts, the sustained competitiveness against similar-graded maidens and suitable barrier make her a solid each-way threat rounding out the top three petitions.
Acushla represents value due to a substantial class relief after tasting Group company, with a red-hot rider booking and proven form around today's track/distance.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 8 | Acushla | 9 | Jim Chung | C A Bambry | 55.5kg | $4.40 |
| 2nd | 6 | Winter Rose | 10 | Lily Sutherland | K T Myers | 56.5kg | $3.80 |
| 3rd | 2 | Jasper | 3 | Lisa Allpress | T R Hina | 58.5kg | $6.80 |
| 4th | 9 | Herding Cats | 8 | Kavish Chowdhoory | Ms D M Harris | 56.5kg | $18.10 |
| 5th | 3 | Royal Teaser | 7 | Amber Riddell | R M Connors | 57.5kg | $4.80 |
| 6th | 1 | Tor Ment Tor | 1 | Liam Kauri | B D Revell | 56.5kg | $9.30 |
| 7th | 10 | Gavel Kat | 2 | Mereana Hudson | Kenny Moore | 56.5kg | $53.30 |
| 8th | 4 | Just Ted | 5 | Sarah Macnab | K T Myers | 58.5kg | $13.90 |
| 9th | 5 | Galeforce | 4 | Leah Hemi | Ms L Pickford | 56.5kg | $13.10 |
| 10th | 7 | Thatz Bonnie | 6 | Rohan Mudhoo | Anne Davies | 56.5kg | $47.90 |
The most tested and consistently placed runner in a weak maiden field. Strong Heavy-track record and proven form near this distance make him the most reliable form-based pick, even without a win to his name. Dropping in class adds appeal.
A model of consistency in this maiden grade with a strong placing record on Heavy ground. Multiple close-up finishes this campaign suggest she remains competitive, though the lack of a breakthrough win is a slight concern.
A blank-slate debutant assessed via proxy factors. The K T Myers/Floor Moerman combination carries a strong 18% strike rate, and the stable already has representation via The Republican, suggesting confidence in today's runners. Genuine risk given zero exposed form.
An overlooked runner given the strong recent booking of Leah Hemi (20% recent strike rate) and a quick backup that suggests the stable is building toward a forward showing.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | Jim Dandy | 6 | Leah Hemi | Caitlin Johnson | 58.5kg | $6.70 |
| 2nd | 9 | Kay''s Ruebe | 4 | Lisa Allpress | J R Wheeler | 56.5kg | $4.80 |
| 3rd | 12 | Fleur De Champ | 2 | Mereana Hudson | J R Wheeler | 56.5kg | $33.40 |
| 4th | 2 | Boots To Fill | 1 | Rohan Mudhoo | R M Connors | 58.5kg | $5.50 |
| 5th | 4 | The Bossman | 10 | Floor Moerman | K T Myers | 56.5kg | $7.40 |
| 6th | 1 | The Republican | 11 | Lily Sutherland | K T Myers | 58.5kg | $4.00 |
| 7th | 10 | Confide | 8 | Amber Riddell | Ms L Latta | 55.5kg | $17.30 |
| 8th | 5 | Les Boots | 3 | Toni Davies | A R Fieldes | 57.5kg | $10.30 |
| 9th | 11 | Popsicles | 5 | Sarah Macnab | A B Bidlake | 56.5kg | $41.60 |
| 10th | 7 | Roadhouse Blues | 9 | Kavish Chowdhoory | Ms R Lockett | 58.5kg | $25.70 |
| 11th | 6 | Finneas | 7 | Crystal Lindsay | Rob Bloomfield | 55.5kg | $48.20 |
| Scr | 8 | Betty Willdoit | 2 | J Lavelle & S Rennie | 56.5kg |
Ocean Melody presents the strongest form case in the race: proven at today's track/distance/condition combination with a demonstrated ability to win over 2060m at Wanganui on Heavy ground. Dropping from Bench 75 into this grade, with consistent top-3 finishes and a capable, familiar jockey. While not a prolific winner, the depth of course-and-distance form stands out above all other runners.
Sacred Zed offers solid, honest form with a strong record of minor placings, including creditable runs on Heavy ground. The wide barrier (11) is a slight concern at a track where inside gates aren't clearly disadvantaged, but the horse's tactical versatility and recent consistency make it a leading contender behind Ocean Melody.
Dojakata is finding form with an improving trend and a competitive recent run at Waverley on Heavy ground. The strong hookup with jockey Hemi and quick backup suggest she is fit and primed, though her Heavy-track record lacks a standout placing beyond one minor placing from 13 attempts, capping considerable confidence.
The step up in grade is notable, but with only 3 starts he remains largely unexposed with upside.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 5 | Ocean Melody | 2 | Amber Riddell | Ms L Latta | 56kg | $3.90 |
| 2nd | 11 | Quill | 1 | Mereana Hudson | Ms P M Mason | 54kg | $14.20 |
| 3rd | 4 | Dojakata | 4 | Leah Hemi | T R Hina | 57kg | $6.60 |
| 4th | 3 | Sacred Zed | 10 | Lily Sutherland | K T Myers | 57.5kg | $3.80 |
| 5th | 10 | Go Butch | 3 | Sarah Macnab | K T Myers | 54kg | $56.60 |
| 6th | 6 | Keen On Bubbles | 8 | J R Wheeler | 55kg | $7.60 | |
| 7th | 7 | Jackaroo | 5 | Rohan Mudhoo | G S Andrew | 55kg | $18.70 |
| 8th | 1 | Zorba | 7 | Floor Moerman | K T Myers | 57kg | $8.70 |
| 9th | 2 | Grand Prospect | 6 | Chris Dell | Ms S Walsh | 58.5kg | $9.60 |
| 10th | 9 | Cuba Street | 9 | Liam Kauri | G D Innes | 52kg | $29.50 |
| Scr | 8 | Predecessor | 3 | Joshua Shaw | 54kg |
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